The firm supplying security staff to the London Olympics says it is ready to meet the challenges of supplying more staff than originally planned.  

The Guardian reports today that the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is concerned that G4S doesn’t have sufficient time to find and train the 21,000 security staff needed for the games. Originally, LOCOG estimated a need for 10,000 security staff, but this figure was revised in the summer.

The Guardian also reports that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has offered the games 3,000 soldiers and another 2,000 in reserve, making up almost half of the additional 11,000 additional security staff required.

A G4S spokesman told Recruiter: “The numbers are still being looked into, but 10,000 was the last contractual change. 

“We knew that as we got closer to the games, and there was scoping of what was required, that might change, but we are in a position that we are under contract to LOCOG and we are happy with the contract that we have signed.

“We were always aware that this [10,000 figure] might change and if it does we will meet the change.”

A Home Office spokesperson told Recruiter: “Government, LOCOG and G4S are working together to finalise the requirements for Olympic venue security. As with all significant national events, we will make the best and most appropriate use of available resources.

“The MoD has been fully involved in supporting Olympic security planning work. We are committed to delivering a safe and secure games that London, the UK and the world can enjoy.”

In response to The Guardian’s claim that the MoD has offered to provide security staff for the games, G4S said: “This is an issue for LOCOG. LOCOG is in charge of security and we are a client of LOCOG.” 

However, when contacted, LOCOG told Recruiter that security at the games was a matter for the Home Office.